Quesnel is a city located in the Cariboo Regional District of British Columbia, Canada. It is situated nearly evenly between Prince George and Williams Lake, on the main route to northern British Columbia and the Yukon. Quesnel is located at the confluence of the Fraser River and Quesnel River.

 

Quesnel's name is derived from Jules-Maurice Quesnel, who accompanied Simon Fraser on his journey to the Pacific Ocean. The city has a rich history, with the First Nations peoples, the Dakelh or Southern Carrier, living off the land around Quesnel long before the arrival of prospectors during the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1862. Quesnel was an important landing for sternwheelers from 1862 to 1886 and then from 1909 until 1921.

 

Quesnel is known for its forestry industry, particularly the production of pulp and lumber. The city is home to several mills owned by West Fraser Timber, including a Bleached Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (BCTMP) mill and an NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft) pulp mill.

 

Quesnel offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The city hosts the annual Quesnel Culture Days, featuring events such as the Downtown Art in my Park, Beyond the Orange Shirt Day, and the Sidewalk Chalk Challenge. Visitors can explore the Riverfront Trail System, cross the Fraser River Walking Bridge, and visit the Quesnel & District Museum.

 

History of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Quesnel's name is derived from Jules-Maurice Quesnel, who accompanied Simon Fraser on his journey to the Pacific Ocean in 1808. Long before the arrival of prospectors during the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1862, the First Nations peoples, the Dakelh or Southern Carrier, lived off the land around Quesnel. 

 

Quesnel was an important landing for sternwheelers from 1862 to 1886 and then from 1909 until 1921. It supplied nearby Barkerville, the commercial centre of the Cariboo Gold Rush. The village of Quesnel and West Quesnel amalgamated in 1955 and achieved town status in 1958. Quesnel was incorporated as a city in 1979. 

 

Quesnel has a diverse history. Early populations included Chinese miners and immigrants from Eastern Canada, the United States, and Europe. The Indo-Canadian community grew significantly in the 1970s. Quesnel was an important stop along the Cariboo Wagon Road and the Alexander MacKenzie Heritage Trail. 

 

Geography of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Quesnel is in the Cariboo Regional District of central British Columbia, Canada. It sits at the confluence of the Fraser River and Quesnel River, nearly equidistant between the cities of Prince George and Williams Lake.

 

The city is situated in the Quesnel Highland, a geographic area defined as a complex of upland hills and plateaus that forms a buffer between the Cariboo Plateau and the Cariboo Mountains. The Quesnel Highland extends southeast from near Prince George to the Mahood Lake area, with the Shuswap Highland continuing further south.

 

Quesnel is located along the Cariboo Wagon Road, a historic gold mining trail that supplied the nearby town of Barkerville during the Cariboo Gold Rush. It also marks one end of the Alexander MacKenzie Heritage Trail.

 

The city's location on the Fraser River made it an important landing for sternwheelers from 1862 to 1886 and 1909 to 1921. Today, Quesnel is a gateway to popular outdoor destinations like Barkerville Historic Town and Bowron Lake Provincial Park in the Cariboo Mountains to the east.

 

Demographics of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Here is a summary of the key demographics of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada:

 

Population

• As of the 2021 census, Quesnel had a population of 9,889 within the city limits. 
• The Quesnel census agglomeration, which includes surrounding areas, had a population of 23,113 in 2021. 
• Quesnel's population has remained relatively steady, with a 0.1% increase from 9,879 in 2016 to 9,889 in 2021. 
• Quesnel is the 62nd-largest municipality in British Columbia and the 434th-largest in Canada. 

 

Age and Gender

• The population has an even gender split, with 5,955 males and 6,120 females as of the 2016 census. 
• The age distribution shows an aging population, with 2,330 residents aged 65 and over in 2016. 

 

Ethnicity and Language

• According to the 2016 census, 10,755 people were born in Canada, the majority of Quesnel's population. 
• English (10,765 people) and other languages (840 people) are the most common mother tongues. 
• 55 people speak Indigenous languages, and 120 people report multiple mother tongues. 

 

Economy of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

The economy of Quesnel, British Columbia, is primarily driven by the forestry industry, particularly the production of pulp and lumber. Forestry is the single biggest employer in the city.

 

Quesnel is home to several major mills owned by West Fraser Timber, including:

• A Bleached Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (BCTMP) mill built in 1981
• A NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft) pulp mill that started production in 1972
• A large sawmill, plywood mill, and MDF plant

 

West Fraser, one of North America's largest manufacturers of wood products, has had operations in Quesnel since the 1950s. Other important industries include mining, agriculture (ranching), and tourism, especially related to nearby attractions like Barkerville Historic Town.

 

Quesnel serves as a service center for the surrounding region, which has an economy based mainly on forestry. Coniferous forests cover most of the Interior Plateau, and the city's location on the Fraser River also made it an important transportation hub historically.

 

Education in Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Quesnel has a well-developed education system, with several elementary schools, two secondary schools, and post-secondary options:

 

Elementary and Secondary Schools

• Quesnel is part of School District 28, which contains 16 schools, most located within the city limits.
• Notable elementary schools include Barlow Creek, Bouchie Lake, Carson, Dragon Lake, Kersley, Lakeview, Parkland, and Riverview.
• Quesnel Junior School (grades 8-9) and Correlieu Secondary School (grades 10-12) are secondary schools.
• The district also includes the McNaughton Centre, an alternate high school.

 

Post-Secondary Education

• Quesnel is home to a shared campus of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).
• The CNC-UNBC campus offers several programs, including four-year nursing and social work degrees, trades certification, health sciences, human services, academic upgrading, and continuing education courses.
• Students can start arts or sciences degrees at the Quesnel campus and transfer to UNBC's main campus in Prince George.

 

Other Education Facilities

• Quesnel Distributed Learning provides K-12 distance education.
• The Helen Dixon Centre houses the Quesnel Distributed Learning program and the Aboriginal Education Centre.
• Private schools in Quesnel include Fraser River Christian School, North Cariboo Christian School, and St. Ann's School.

 

Quesnel offers a range of educational opportunities from elementary to post-secondary, with public and private options available to serve the city's population of around 23,000.

 

Transport System of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

The transportation system in Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada, includes the following key elements:

 

Public Transit

• Quesnel has a local public transit system operated by BC Transit. Several bus routes serve the city and surrounding areas. 
• Routes include West Quesnel, Red Bluff via South Hills, North Fraser, South Quesnel Express, and service to the nearby communities of Wells and Nazko. 
• Handydart services are also available for those with accessibility needs. 

 

Airport

• The Quesnel Regional Airport is just 8 minutes from downtown and offers daily flights to and from Vancouver via Central Mountain Air. 

 

Intercity Bus

• Ebus provides passenger bus service travelling north and south throughout the province, with stops in Quesnel. 

 

Rail

• The Rocky Mountaineer train service operates in the summer months, with twice weekly stops in Quesnel on its Rainforest to Gold Rush route between Vancouver and Jasper. 

 

Other Options

• Discount car and truck rentals are available in Quesnel. 
• Taxi service is provided by Quesnel Taxi. 

 

Quesnel has a diverse transportation network to serve the needs of residents and visitors, including public transit, air travel, intercity buses, rail service, and car and taxi options.

 

Living in Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Quesnel is a city located in the central interior of British Columbia, Canada, situated nearly equidistant between Prince George and Williams Lake. As of 2021, the Quesnel census agglomeration had a population of 23,113, making it one of the largest urban centers between Prince George and Kamloops.

 

Economy

Quesnel's economy is primarily driven by the forestry industry, with several major mills owned by West Fraser Timber producing pulp, lumber, and other wood products. Other important industries include mining, agriculture (ranching), and tourism, especially related to nearby attractions like Barkerville Historic Town and Bowron Lake Provincial Park.

 

Transportation

Quesnel is served by the Quesnel Regional Airport, which offers daily flights to and from Vancouver. The city also has a local public transit system operated by BC Transit and an intercity bus service. Quesnel is located along the Cariboo Wagon Road and marks one end of the Alexander MacKenzie Heritage Trail.

 

Demographics

Quesnel has a diverse population, including Indigenous communities such as the Esdilagh, Nazko, Kluskuz, and Lhtako Dene, as well as Francophone, South Asian, Philippine, and Sikh communities. The median household income in 2015 was $60,651, slightly below the British Columbia average.

 

Education

Quesnel has a well-developed education system, with several elementary and secondary schools and a shared campus of the College of New Caledonia and the University of Northern British Columbia that offers degree programs and vocational training.

 

Quesnel offers a mix of forestry, mining, agriculture, and tourism-related economic opportunities, along with a diverse population, transportation links, and educational facilities to serve the needs of residents and visitors.

 

Healthcare in Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Quesnel, British Columbia, has a well-developed healthcare system that serves the needs of its population of around 23,000 in the census agglomeration area.

 

Healthcare Facilities

Quesnel is home to several key healthcare facilities:

• G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital  - A 38-bed hospital that provides a range of acute care services.
• Quesnel Urgent and Primary Care Centre  - A clinic offering urgent and primary care services.
• Quesnel Community Health Services  - A public health unit providing services like immunizations.
• LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services  - A medical lab offering diagnostic testing.
• Quesnel Medical Clinic  - A private family practice clinic.
• Holley Clinic  - A naturopathic clinic.
• Quesnel Naturopathic Clinic  - Another naturopathic clinic.

 

Healthcare Providers

Quesnel's healthcare team includes:

• Family physicians and specialists
• Nurses and nurse practitioners
• Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals
• Mental health services
• Long-term care and hospice providers

 

Healthcare Services

In addition to the hospital and clinics, Quesnel offers a range of other healthcare services, including:

• Home care and assisted living options 
• The Quesnel Women's Resource Centre, which runs a weekly women's health clinic 
• Public health programs and immunizations 

 

Overall, Quesnel has a robust healthcare system in place to serve the medical needs of its diverse population, with a mix of public and private providers and facilities.

 

Tourist places in Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Pinnacles Provincial Park

Pinnacles Provincial Park is a popular outdoor destination near Quesnel. It features dramatic hoodoo rock formations and hiking trails. The park offers scenic views and opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.

 

Quesnel & District Museum and Archives

The Quesnel & District Museum and Archives showcases the history and culture of the Quesnel region, including exhibits on the Cariboo Gold Rush, First Nations heritage, and the forestry industry.

 

Quesnel's Historic Fraser River Foot Bridge

This historic pedestrian bridge over the Fraser River provides scenic views and connects the east and west sides of Quesnel. It's a popular spot for walking, cycling, and living in natural surroundings.

 

Riverfront Trail System

Quesnel has an extensive network of trails along the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers, offering walking, hiking, and cycling opportunities with beautiful riverside scenery.

 

Barkerville Historic Town

While not located directly in Quesnel, the nearby Barkerville Historic Town is a major draw for visitors, allowing them to experience the heyday of the Cariboo Gold Rush.

 

Bowron Lake Provincial Park

Another popular outdoor destination near Quesnel, Bowron Lake Provincial Park, is known for its canoeing and kayaking opportunities through interconnected lakes.

 

Quesnel offers a mix of natural attractions, historic sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities that appeal to a wide range of visitors to the region.

 

Local Food of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Quesnel offers a variety of ethnic cuisine options beyond just traditional Canadian fare. The search results highlight several restaurants serving international cuisines, including:

• Himalayan Kitchen - Serving Nepalese and Tibetan dishes 
• Hannah's Vietnamese Pho - Offering Vietnamese pho and other Vietnamese specialties 
• Blue Nile Mediterranean & More - Featuring Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine 

 

Local Favorites

In addition to the international options, Quesnel is home to some popular local restaurants and eateries, such as:

• Dolly's Reach - A highly-rated local restaurant and catering company 
• Long Table Catering - A local catering business with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients 
• Kakalots Restaurant - A local restaurant serving classic Canadian fare 
• Tasty Touch - A well-reviewed local restaurant 

 

Specialty Food Stores

Quesnel also has a health food store, Homesteader Health Foods, which caters to residents' needs for natural and organic products.

 

Outdoor Dining and Food Trucks

The search results suggest Quesnel has an active food truck and outdoor dining scene, with mentions of places like "The Rustic Grill" and a "fabulous shack filled with burritos, tacos, and an endless supply of hot sauces" in the nearby town of Wells.

 

Overall, Quesnel offers a diverse and vibrant local food culture, with a mix of international cuisines, homegrown restaurants, and specialty food options to cater to a range of tastes and dietary needs.

 

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